Prehistoric turtle: Sensational fossil discovery discovered in Syria!

Prehistoric turtle: Sensational fossil discovery discovered in Syria!

An important fossil find in Syria sheds new light on the evolutionary history of turtles. Scientists at the Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen have described the first known fossil vertebrate species from the region, which has the nameSyriemys lelunensiscarries. This find is considered the oldest record of the Stereogenyini, an extinct lineage of wry-necked turtles whose origin dates back more than ten million years. The team of paleontologists analyzed several significant remains from a geological context ranging from the Cretaceous to Miocene (145 to about 5.3 million years ago) - a period when Syria was underwater, favoring the preservation of these fossils. uni-tuebingen.de reports that the collection includes, among other things, a fully preserved interior impression of the carapace as well as abdominal carapace bones and pelvic bones.

A crucial aspect of the research is the tiny foraminifera contained in the surrounding rock, which are used to determine the age ofSyriemys lelunensisare of great importance. The analysis of these microorganisms shows that the Stereogenyini not only existed in freshwater habitats, as is the case with today's wry-necked turtles, but also lived in habitats influenced by salt water. Fossils from this group are distributed worldwide, including finds in South America, North America, the Caribbean, Africa and East Asia.

The cultural context and political relevance

The discovery also contributes to the discussion about scientific research in Syria. The country's complex political situation has influenced the scientific community for years. The article, planned as part of a series of articles entitled “Recovering lost time in Syria,” aims to shed light on the geological past and stagnating science in Syria. This publication highlights the land's value to paleontology and related research.

The importance of turtles in paleontology cannot be overstated. Turtles have witnessed evolution for millions of years and have undergone little change. The turtles' hard shells fossilize well and provide valuable information about past eras and environmental changes. tierdo.de highlights that these animals not only fulfill essential tasks in ecosystems, but are also considered symbols of longevity and stability in many cultures.

A look at the prehistoric turtles

Another fascinating example of turtle diversity is the prehistoric tortoiseSolnhofia, which was recently discovered in Bavaria. Its remains show that it had a large head and a beak ideal for crushing hard food, such as mussels and snails. This turtle had short, stocky legs that ended in claws, an adaptation to its coastal lifestyle. In contrast, modern sea turtles have long, paddle-like fins.

Finally, by studying these and other turtle species, it becomes clear that fossils tell stories not only about animals, but also about the past environment and the evolution of life on Earth. The oldest known fossil turtle, theOdontochelys semitestacea, lived about 220 million years ago, further highlighting the depth of the fossil history and the role of turtles in Earth's history. scinexx.de reports that the discovery's cause of death, however, remained unknown, which opens room for further research.